Decreasing citalopram

[drspouse]

I was quite depressed about 7 years ago and had some time off work which was very stressful.
Saw a counsellor but because of my very complex home life especially didn't feel I could tell her everything (DS with severe SEN, but also mum who can be very cold to me, and many practical difficulties which people just try to "solve". Tried CBT but honestly just didn't keep up with the homework or get on that well with it.
My depression didn't have that many thoughts associated with it, I just couldn't "do" anything if that makes sense
Went on citalopram. Then got more anxious (start of pandemic, DS starting to do nothing at all at school though he was in school, health scare for DH). Increased dose.
I am also on a large number of other meds eg daily NSAIDs, asthma meds, migraine prevention and HRT. Have probably forgotten some!

I feel much more on an even keel and am seeing a counsellor who is very supportive. DS meds are also more stable, we are managing him better as parents, and I feel I'm coping better. I no longer regularly burst into tears about DS education though it's still a shit show.

I am wondering about reducing or stopping the citalopram. Or is this just daft as it's keeping me well? I am a bit confused TBH.

Well you could try it but if your symptoms return you'll then have to go through another adjustment period to increase it again. Unless it's causing side effects, is it worth the risk?

I was wondering about reducing it first.
I don't know why but it's suddenly felt like so much to remember and keep on top of.
It also theoretically clashes with my migraine meds. I've never had the symptoms of the potential side effects but it is a thought I have.
I also have an eye condition which means drops, eye mask etc. I've reduced my inhaler as I have been a lot better with that and I just want to feel less like a walking medication cabinet.

You shouldn't stop as you will get withdrawal symptoms and should do it under a doctor's care.

If not , you need to taper off. For example you could do a full tablet one day then half a tablet the next day and alternate this a for a while until you are sure you have no withdrawal symptoms. Then move to half a tablet day. After that keep reducing.

You need to be very slow and careful so you can understand whether it is withdrawal symptoms or the return of depression symptoms you are experiencing. But really, talk to your GP.

Thanks, I will do.
I wasn't meaning to stop without any medical help, and I'm aware I'm sounding a bit like I have odd thoughts about my medication, which is a good thing in itself!
It's just getting older I think (in my 50s) and feeling like I rattle when I move.
I'm on an odd combo of 10mg and 20mg but I won't stop either without medical help.

I’m currently doing this. Like you, my circumstances have changed and the big stressors have gone. I’ve dropped from 20 to 10 and it’s been fine. Going to do that for 2-4 weeks then do 10mg 2 out of 3 days for a fortnight, then every other day for a fortnight, then I may cut the 10s in half to do 5, I’m not sure.

If i’ve misjudged and I have to restart then I will, but I just want to know if my baseline is as improved as i think it is. I also don’t want to feel slightly dulled all the time anymore. Good luck :)

I tapered off and reduced citalopram and then stopped earlier this year after being on it for over 4 years. I was only on a 20mg dose and I took it very very slowly - alternating 20mg and 10mg for a few weeks (breaking tablets in half). Then 10mg for a few weeks (I asked for a 10mg prescription). Then alternated 10mg and 5mg. Then 5mg. Then alternating 5mg and nothing. Then stop.

Honestly it was months until I was off them completely because I wanted to give myself the best chance of success by making each change tiny.

I LAO made sure life was on an even keel before j started the taper down and I did this over the spring / summer so the seasons were on my side - personally for yiu I’d recommend the same as you’ve been on them for years why not wait until next April.

it’s been on my mind just recently as life has felt a bit overwhelming (work and family stuff). I am managing though and I’m keeping an eye on how I’m feeling.

good luck. It would probably be a good idea to speak to your gp especially as you mention you are on other medications too.

That's a good point @SocksShmocks when I started them I was on a skiing holiday and felt awful so it was a really bad time.
I will see my GP obviously.
I may also feel better about taking a smaller dose which I had for a few years.